Freezing unit for refrigerators



G. F. KEY'EES 2,064,837

FREEZING UNIT FOR REFR IGERATORS Filed Dec. 24, I950 I7 I8 I 6 v L I 1 N VEN TOR. Gordon 6965 A TTORNEYS Patented Dec. 22, 1936" I UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 10 Claims. (01. 62-126) The present invention relates to refrigeration or freezing units for small type refrigerators and more particularly to constructional features of the same. The present unit is formed from a pair of drawn tubes or shells, the inner shell being roughly concentric with the outer shell to form a thin chamber for the refrigerant, the space thus provided being of proper size to obtain eflicient results. Other features are the method of joining the shells and thecover or front plates whereby a tight, strong unit is economically obtained. To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, said invention, then, consists of the means hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims.

'The annexed drawing and the following description set forth in detail certain mechanism embodying the invention, such disclosed means constituting, however, but one of various mechanical forms in which the principle of the invention may be used.

In said annexed drawing:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view; Fig. 2 is a larger scale; and Fig. 3 is a front elevational view showing a slight modification. tt;

The present cooling unit consists of an outer shell I, preferably oval or egg shaped, with the larger portion at the bottom, this shell being substantially cylindrical 'at the topand bottom. The shell is preferably drawn in at the sides so as to form two joined cylindrical chambers 3 and d. The depressed portions may be strengthened by ribs or webs 5 and clamp straps 6 may also be employed as illustrated in Fig. 3, when desirable.

Within the lower part 3 of this outer shell is mounted a cylinder 1 which is substantially concentric with the cylindrical portion 3 and which is spaced therefrom by means of spacer blocks 8 or the like to form a thin chamber 9 therebetween for the refrigerant. This inner cylinder has an integrally formed central extension it to act as a spacing member at the rear. a

The two chambers are formed with their front ends l2 curved towards each other as if they were portions of a single rebent member and the ends engage along their inner edges l3, leaving a V-shaped groove M which is filled with solder, or by flowing welding metal therein to form a strong leak-proof joint therebetween. The smaller cylindrical top portion 4 of the outer shell is provided with a cover ring l5 which fits snugly into the shell with the face It of the ring .overlapping the edge I! of the shell. The ring has its lengthwise cylindrical surface provided with a groove or recess 3 adjacent the face l6 thus providing an air space and the ring is then welded to the shell at the meeting edges 5 i6 and H, the groove acting as an insulating ring to allow the meeting edges to be brought to welding temperatures without transmitting the heat through such a large portion of the ring as to cool the metal below the welding point.

The ring is provided with tapped holes for the reception of bolts to secure a plate carrying the float valve mechanism which will be inserted in the upper chamber 4 in the usual manner.

The inner cylinder which is open at the front 15 is provided with the usual shelves or carrying member for holding the usual type of ice trays or pans.

The present construction provides a freezing unit which can be quickly and economically manufactured from two steel shells so arranged ,0, as to provide a chamber for the refrigerant of desirable s'ize.. The method of sealing the refrigerant chamber provides a tight seal and the entire structure is such that manufacture and 25 assembly can be expeditiously carried out. The float assembly is readily installed and the shape of the'chambers is such as to give maximum strength against the strains to which it is subjected in ',use, thus allowing the shells to be of relatively light metal. v

Other modes of applying the principle of my invention may be employed instead of the one explained, change being made as regards the mechanism herein disclosed, provided the means stated by any of the following claims-or the equiv alent of such stated means be employed. ,4;

I therefore particularly point out and distinct- 1y claim as my invention:

1. A freezing unit consisting of an, outerojal- 40 shaped shell, and an inner cylindrical ell mounted in one end of said outer shell to pro de a relatively thin refrigerant chamber therebetween, said two shells being sealed together along 1 their open front edges to form a unitary str ucture, and a cover ring mounted over the remainder of said outer shell opening and adapted to receive and carry the float valve assembly.

2. A freezing unit consisting of an outer ovalshaped shell, with indented sides to provide two 'substantially cylindrical shaped communicating chambers, an inner shell mounted in one of said chambers and substantially concentric therewith v to form a relatively thin refrigerant chamber therebetween, saidtwo shells being sealed toopen end turned inwardly and an inner shell havmetal shell and an inner sheet metal shell mounted .ing its openend turned outwardly to fit the in- .turned edge of said outer shell and forming a V-shaped groove therewith, and a filling for said groove adapted to unite said two shells into an integral unit, said inner shell having an arcuate portion cooperating with said upper chamber of the outer shell to form a substantially cylindrical header.

4. A freezing unit construction comprising an outer shell having a lower cylindrical shaped.

portion having its open end turned inwardly and I an inner shell having its open end turned outwardly to fit the inturned edge of said'outer shell and forming a V-shaped groove therewith, and a filling for said groove adapted to unite said two shells into an integral unit, and a float valve mechanism carrying ring adapted to fit within the opening for the upper chamber and against the inner shell to close and seal the unit.

5. A freezing unit' construction comprising an outer shell having a lower cylindrical shaped chamber and an integrally formed smaller upper cylindrically, shaped chamber, the lower chamber portion having its open end turned inwardly and an inner shell having its open end turned outwardly to fit the inturned edge of said outer shell and forming a V-shaped groove therewith,

and a filling for said groove adapted to unite said two shells into an integral unit, and a float valve mechanism carrying ring adapted to flt within the opening for the upper chamber and against the inner shell to close and seal the unit, said ring having afront flange adapted to extend over the front edges of said shells and to be united thereto and having its outer surface fitting snugly within said two shells.

6."A freezing unit comprising an outer sheet spacedly therewithin' providing a relatively thin unobstructed fluid-circulating chamber below laterally and behind the inner shell, said outer shell being of convexly arcuate section above and the inner shell being of concavely arcuate section opposedly thereto, to form a trough-extendally and behind the inner shell, said outer shell being of convexly arcuate section above and the inner shell being of concavely arcuate section opposedlythereto to form a trough extending into communication with the space behind and later-' ally.

. 8. A freezing unit comprising an outer sheet metal shell and an inner sheet metal shell seamless in its rear portion and mounted spacedly within said outer shell providing a relatively thin unobstructive fluid-circulating chamber below laterally and behind the inner shell, said outer shell being of convexly arcuate section above and 10. A freezing unit comprising an outer sheet metal shell and an inner drawn sheet metal shell mounted spacedly therewithin providing a relatively thin unobstructive fluid-circulating refrigerant chamber below laterally and behind the in-i I ner shell said outer shell being of convexly arcu-' ate section above and the inner shell being of concavely arcuate section opposedly thereto to form a, trough extending into communication with the space behind and laterally.

GORDON F. KEYES. 

